What can you do?

After soliciting input from local Leagues, the League of Women Voters of Florida has compiled a list of Legislative Priorities for 2018, as well as a list of questions for our legislators. You can make an impact by staying in touch with your legislators, sharing important items on social media and providing input to government agencies. Time-sensitive items are typically featured on the home page, but you’ll also find them here, with tips on how to how to take action. During session this page will be expanded to include action items pertaining to priority issues.

2018 Action Alerts

Florida's 2018 legislative session ended on 9 March.

2018 Legislative Priorities

The 2018 Legislative Priorities are used to guide League’s advocacy during the legislative session. While our lobbyist and the Capital Lobby Corps follow all the issues and pertinent bills, emphasis is placed on influencing the priorities identified by members. For 2018 League’s top priorities include: Government & Election Law, Education, Natural Resources, Gun Safety and Health Care.

Government & Election Law

Oppose any legislation that might discourage or prevent voting, or result in any action that may disqualify eligible voters;

Establish threshold criteria for write-in candidates that mirror current requirements for announced candidates. The presence of a write-in candidate as the only opponent should not close the primary;

Support the election of the President and Vice President by direct popular vote via the National Popular Voter Compact;

Support statewide use of an Open Primary election system that allows for the broadest possible voter participation; and

Support retention of a 1968 Constitutional Amendment to ensure home rule for counties and municipalities, and oppose any legislation inconsistent with League of Women Voter positions.

Education

Support adequate funding for school facilities and operations for the 2018–19 school years to meet the needs of Florida’s schools;

Support curriculum and instructional materials developed by educational experts to serve as guides and resources for local districts;

Support a statewide assessment and accountability system that provides the same data at appropriate intervals to measure student progress for all schools that receive public funds, directly or indirectly; and

Support higher standards for early childhood education, for both staff and programs.

Natural Resources

Support adequate funding for school facilities and operations for the 2018-19 school years to meet the needs of Florida’s schools;

Support curriculum and instructional materials developed by educational experts to serve as guides and resources for local districts;

Support a statewide assessment and accountability system that provides the same data at appropriate intervals to measure student progress for all schools that receive public funds, directly or indirectly; and

Support higher standards for early childhood education, for both staff and programs.

How to take action

Contact your representatives about specific issues. Even if you don’t participate in legislative interviews or the Legislative Summit, you can still take action by contacting your legislator about important issues, like the ones listed on this page. Be sure to

Observe government meetings to hold elected representatives accountable. Be a part of your League’s Observation Corps by attending meetings and reporting on what went on there. Let your officials know you care about how they’re conducting the public’s business.